“Canada is proud to have played an active role in getting Mali immediately suspended from the International Organisation of La Francophonie.

“Canada forcefully argued for this suspension. The perpetrators of the coup d’état in Mali need to be sent a clear message, that democracy, constitutional order and stability must be restored in Mali.

“Canada has long been a friend of Mali and the Malian people, and our two countries have worked closely together in La Francophonie.

“We are deeply concerned by events in the north, where rebel groups, including those affiliated with terrorist organizations, have been making gains. This is causing great suffering and insecurity for the people of northern Mali.

“As the security situation is evolving, Canadians in Mali should consider departing the country now by commercial means while these are available. Canada advises against all travel to Mali.”

As a precaution, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada has authorized the relocation of Canadian non-essential embassy staff and dependents in Bamako.

On March 24, 2012, Canada announced the immediate suspension of aid programs involving direct payments to the Government of Mali. Canadian International Development Agency programs, including those that deliver humanitarian assistance directly to the people of Mali, through international and local non-governmental organizations, will continue.

Canadian citizens in Mali who require emergency consular assistance should contact the Embassy of Canada to Mali in Bamako at +223 20 21 22 36. Alternatively, they can call Canada’s Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa collect at 613-944-2471. An email can also be sent to sos@international.gc.ca.